We are recruiting for an exceptional Senior Executive Assistant to provide high‑level support to our CEO and Chair. This is a hybrid role, working two to three days per week from our Coventry headquarters and the remainder from home, Monday to Friday.
This is a key position for a highly professional and experienced executive assistant who has operated at C‑suite level. You will thrive in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment, exercise sound judgement and deliver seamless strategic and administrative support. Acting as a central point of coordination, you will connect the board, senior leadership, governance functions and key external partners.
To succeed, you will bring outstanding organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and confident, proactive communication skills to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Absolute discretion is essential, along with a strong service mindset and commitment to supporting the delivery of our business goals. Experience of working within a membership organisation or similar would be an advantage, along with an interest in the agriculture sector.
Established in 2008, AHDB is the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British farmers, growers and processors in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers and processors, often where no one else can or will.
Responsibilities
Assist the CEO, Chair and Director of Governance to ensure the organisation meets its corporate governance requirements and is regarded as an industry leader
Organise and maintain complex calendars, schedules and daily meetings
Manage incoming calls, ensure accurate message‑taking, respond to information requests and direct more complex enquiries to the appropriate team members
Prepare and manage high-quality written and visual materials, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents, agendas, reports, presentations, decks and special project materials
Manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and sound judgement, including issues directly impacting the organisation
Proactively support the executive team by researching, gathering and analysing information in advance
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key members of the Defra Relationship team and other senior stakeholders, enabling effective communication across the board and the Leadership team
Essential Criteria
Proven experience as an Executive Assistant, delivering high‑level support to C‑suite
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Professional, approachable and confident communicator, able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels
Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to prioritise effectively and respond to changing business needs, projects and timescales
Self‑motivated and proactive, demonstrating strong judgement, the ability to assess priorities and make informed decisions when required
Creative and service‑driven, with a commitment to delivering high standards of support
Experience working within a membership‑based organisation and/or knowledge of the agriculture sector desirable
The Benefits…
We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities to give you the recognition you deserve:
35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, to include hybrid working
33 days of annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays)
Life assurance cover (4x salary)
A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community
Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
Recognition awards throughout the year
Reward Gateway membership - this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings
Apply now, or call if you require any further information.
Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.
At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.
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